“Let any intruder dare enter here, and I will sell my life and honor dearly!” she cried.
CHAPTER XXVII.
AT BAY.
As if in answer to her defiance, a stealthy hand turned the knob, the door swung lightly back, and the form of a man stood hesitating on the threshold.
“Otho Maury!”
The cry shrilled over her lips in a strangled gasp of loathing—not fear, for with that weapon in her hand she felt strong to defy the villain.
He started, and stood looking at her with dazed eyes.
He had searched the whole house over by the aid of a dark lantern, and almost began to despair of success, when he opened this last door.
He found her there, beautiful, brave, defiant, her angry blue eyes fixed on him, and her white hand grasping the weapon whose shining blade would surely be sheathed in his heart if he dared approach the little beauty.
After his first start of surprise he cried, longingly: